Filmspotting

By Kempenaar & Larsen, WBEZ

To listen to an audio podcast, mouse over the title and click Play. Open iTunes to download and subscribe to podcasts.

Description

Weekly film podcast/WBEZ radio show from Chicago featuring in-depth reviews, top 5 lists and interviews. Hosted by Adam Kempenaar and Josh Larsen.

Name

Description

Released

Price

1

#531: The Breakfast Club / Top 5 Films of 1985

If Josh is "The Brain," what does that make Adam – Vice Principal Vernon? Filmspotting commemorates the 30th anniversary of John Hughes' classic THE BREAKFAST CLUB with a Sacred Cow discussion. Plus, the Elite Eight of Filmspotting Madness is revealed,

As a director, Kenneth Branagh has done Shakespeare, Mary Shelley and Marvel. But how does he handle Disney? Josh and Adam discuss CINDERELLA with Lily James and Cate Blanchett, and share their Top 5 Movies About Royalty. Plus, the Sweet 16 matchups for F

How do you celebrate 10 years of talking about movies? You talk about the ones you’re embarrassed you’ve never seen, of course. Adam and Josh confess their Top 5 (or 50) Blind Spots. Plus, a review of director David Cronenberg’s latest, MAPS TO THE

With the release of the new mock documentary WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, about a trio of New Zealand Vampires, Adam and Josh share their Top 5 Mockumentary Moments. Plus, a review of SHADOWS and a few thoughts on the Oscars.

Do Adam and Josh's "singular tastes" include an appreciation for the much-hyped adaptation of E.L. James' FIFTY SHADES OF GREY? Join them in the Filmspotting playroom to find out. Plus, the Top 5 Movies We Had To Review and two new recommended movies –

With the divisive "American Sniper" a surprise awards season success, Filmspotting takes a trip back a couple of decades - back to the mythic Old West - for a Sacred Cow review of Clint Eastwood’s Best Picture-winning UNFORGIVEN. Plus, the Chicago Tribu

BLACKHAT is a bona fide critical and box office bomb... But its director, Michael Mann, made "Thief," "The Insider" and "Heat," so Josh and Adam are reviewing it anyway. Plus, Pt. 2 of Filmspotting's 2015 Movie Preview poses the biggest questions surround

It's a (woefully civil) showdown over Clint Eastwood's AMERICAN SNIPER, plus thoughts on the (woefully misguided) Oscar nominations, and Josh and Adam take their best shot at predicting what will eventually be their favorite films of the new year with the

With the future of humanity depending on them, Josh and Adam recorded this episode from inside a time-traveling telephone booth in order to compile their Top 5 Historic Event Movies. Plus, your hosts have a dream of a biopic that doesn't worshipfully lion

Somehow "Left Behind" didn't make the cut in Pt. 1 of Filmspotting's Top 10 Films of 2014. But there are five picks remaining and four critics – including Michael Phillips (Chicago Tribune) and Scott Tobias (The Dissolve) – who might just end the susp

What was the best shot of 2014? How about the best performances by actors we take granted? Filmspotting covers all its end-of-year bases with the Top 5 "Best of the Rest" – everything Josh and Adam loves about the year in movies... except the movies the

Josh and Adam talk fake noses. And wrestling. And murder... with their review of FOXCATCHER starring Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo and Steve Carell. Plus, their Top 5 Discoveries of 2014 – actors, directors and others who made a fine first impression thi

This Thanksgiving, be grateful for the movies you may have missed... Filmspotting revisits some of its favorite overlooked/underseen movies of 2014 and announces the shortlist of candidates for the coveted Golden Brick Award.

Josh and Adam actually recorded this way-too-friendly review of Christopher Nolan's INTERSTELLAR three months ago – it just took a detour through a wormhole to get here. Plus, the Top 5 Movie Sacrifices.

Josh encounters some awkward moments as he tries to reconcile his cultural differences with The Dissolve's Tasha Robinson. The pair reveal their Top 5 Culture Clash Comedies, and review the provocative new film DEAR WHITE PEOPLE.

Vampires aren't the only crazies who come out at night. Josh and Adam stay up late to share their Top 5 Nocturnal Movies, and discuss Jake Gyllenhaal's creepy turn in writer/director Dan Gilroy's NIGHTCRAWLER.

Michael Phillips couldn't convince Adam and Josh to be the Chico and Harpo to his Groucho, but that didn't stop him from helping them share the Top 5 Movie Costumes they'd actually wear for Halloween. Plus, a review of BIRDMAN, starring Michael...

It's the inspirational tale of a couple down on their luck podcasters who make good with the help of a crusty old radio veteran. Josh and Adam share their Top Mentor-Proteges, and review a movie about a drummer driven to madness in his pursuit of musical

Before email, texts, Twitter and Snapchat, movie characters had to rely on ‘The Letter’ to communicate their most heartfelt feelings to one another — or to blackmail each other. Inspired by their discussion of director David Fincher's GONE GIRL, Ad

With the 50th annual Chicago International Film Festival kicking off Oct. 9, Josh and Adam highlight some of the films worth seeking out at the fest or putting on your radar, plus reflect on their Top 5 CIFF Discoveries.

With Adam out for a week, Josh found a willing accomplice in Michael Phillips for a countdown of their Top 5 Movie Manimals, tying in with their review of Kevin Smith's TUSK. Plus, Michael's recap of the recent Toronto International Film Festival and more

It's Sociopath Week at the Filmspotting Lounge... half off Pabst Blue Ribbons and nitrous oxide chasers! The perfect combo to put you in the proper frame of mind for Josh and Adam's Top 5 David Lynch Scenes. Plus, a discussion of Lynch's creepy 1977 debut

Josh and Adam head to the clink, the slammer, the Big House to name their Top 5 Movie Prisoners. Plus, a review of the acclaimed new UK prison drama STARRED UP... and Quentin Tarantino's new day job inspires another Filmspotting Poll Death Match.

Time hurries on, and the leaves that are green turn to brown... Josh and Adam preview the fall movie season and offer an end-of-summer review roundup sparked by a clash over THE ONE I LOVE, starring Mark Duplass and Elizabeth Moss. Other movies covered in

Josh and Adam get to feel almost famous as they go on tour with their Top 5 (Fictional) Movie Bands. Plus, a review of FRANK starring Michael Fassbender, and find out if Larsen dares to recommend SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR.

O Captain! My Captain! if Robin Williams ever failed to seize the day, it wasn't on camera. Filmspotting celebrates the life of the late actor and comedian with a Sacred Cow review of 1989's DEAD POETS SOCIETY. Plus, Josh and Adam share their Top 5 Robin

Ray Harryhausen, Douglas Trumbull, Dick Smith... Michael Phillips joins Adam in praise of the old school effects guys with their Top 5 Pre-CGI Scenes. Plus, they confess their cinematic sins of omission to Father Brendan Gleeson in CALVARY, and spend a fe

Nine years, four months and 20 days in the making... Michael Phillips from the Chicago Tribune, Slate's Dana Stevens and — via Skype from San Francisco — the newly anointed writer/director of STAR WARS VIII, Rian Johnson, join Adam and Josh for this s

If Filmspotting builds a Top 5 Magic Realism Moments in movies, will you come? With director Michel Gondry’s MOOD INDIGO currently in theatres and available on demand, Josh and Adam devote this week’s Top 5 to a subject that Gondry exploits to great e

Are the days of treating franchise reboots as an inferior species of movie no more? Josh and Adam check in on the damned dirty apes of DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, the sequel to 2011's surprisingly successful — and surprisingly good — Apes

Josh and Adam really carpe the diem this week: they find the holy grail, ask out Diane Cort and fake orgasms at the Carnegie Deli — all on the hottest day of the year in Bed-Stuy. Get a Sacred Cow review of Tim Burton's BATMAN, plus the Top 5 Films of 1

There are no instructions for building the perfect Top 5 Movies of the Year (So Far). You’ve got to do it yourself. At the midway point of the moviegoing year, Josh and Adam try their best to be master list builders. Plus, a review of David Michod's ble

Adam and Josh review Oregon director Kelly Reichardt’s NIGHT MOVES with Jesse Eisenberg and Dakota Fanning, and also do some location scouting for this week’s Top 5 — Pacific Northwest Movies — while having some pie and, excuse me, a damn fine cup

Josh and Michael Phillips — along with their respective gangs of New York — leave the Five Points for an exploration of immigration in the movies. They’ve got a review of James Gray’s THE IMMIGRANT, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Marion Cotillard, a

Josh and The Dissolve’s Tasha Robinson may have to wait until Prince Adam returns in a week or two to lift the curse Tasha just put on this week’s Top 5: Disney Villains. Plus, the hosts weigh in on Angelina Jolie's interpretation of one of those clas

Josh and Michael put aside their petty differences for the good of humanity — and the show — when they share their Top 5 Movie Teams. Plus, Michael's report from Cannes and a review of X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, a movie that begins in the future, mos

Don’t tell their wives, but after taping this show, Josh and Adam split a bottle of Jack Daniels and got ink for all of the picks that made this week’s Top 5: Movie Tattoos (That We’d Get). Plus, Larsen Recommends THE DOUBLE starring Jesse Eisenberg

Adam's Top Most Anticipated Summer Movies boasts a collective budget that might cover a week of catering on the set of "Transformers: Age of Extinction." Does Josh go for a little more mainstream fare? Plus, Steve Prokopy aka Capone from Ain't it Cool New

Adam bites his tongue to avoid making any "Hudson Hawk" jokes as he and Josh go back to their high school days for a countdown of the Top 5 Films of 1991, inspired by a Sacred Cow discussion of Gus Van Sant's Shakespeare-inspired MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO. Plu

#487: Only Lovers Left Alive / Top 5 Things From Space / Under The Skin

Filmspotting comes in peace, even if its Top 5 list does not. Your hosts consider their favorite cinematic Things From Space (That Came To Destroy Us). Plus, a review of Jim Jarmusch's latest starring Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton as a centuries-old va

Filmspotting has been making radio for almost 10 years as amateurs, so Adam and Josh should have an insight or two on the folks who make their Top 5 Performances by Non-Professionals — people who made a prominent acting debut without the benefit of expe

Adam feels a bit like he's returned from a desert island, which is exactly where he and Josh head for this week’s Top 5: Desert Island Directors. Which five directors’ filmographies would best distract them from a lifetime of isolation and solitude? P

Michael and Josh try and avoid embarrassing flashbacks to their adolescence when they get into this week’s Top 5: Sex-Obsessed Characters, inspired by the new film from director Lars Von Trier — NYMPHOMANIAC —which comes to theaters in two parts and

Hope you’ve got your sea legs for this week’s show as Josh and Michael Phillips count down their Top 5 Movie Boats, a list inspired by the first famous boat — Noah’s Ark, which returns to movie screens in Darren Aronofsky’s NOAH with Russell Cro

Jake Gyllenhaal tests his acting chops against… Jake Gyllenhaal, in this week's review of the new psychological thriller ENEMY, Denis Villeneuve’s follow-up to 2013's PRISONERS - and his second film in a row with Jake Gyllenhaal. Plus, Josh and Michae

Wes Anderson takes such care with each frame that it would be easy to choose five favorite moments from any one of his films. But Josh and Michael Phillips gave given themselves a much bigger challenge: they strolled the grounds of Rushmore, walked the ha

CADDYSHACK, STRIPES, GHOSTBUSTERS… as an actor, a writer and a director, Harold Ramis left an indelible mark on the last three decades of movie comedies. Josh and Michael Phillips honor the passing of the Chicago native with their Top 5 Ramis Moments. P

Filmspotting recruits Kyle Buchanan, senior editor at New York Magazine's Vulture, to get the inside scoop on this weekend's Academy Awards. Plus, Adam and Josh celebrate the 40th anniversary of BLAZING SADDLES with a ‘Stampeding’ Sacred Cow review --

Honest and unmerciful. Good advice for a budding rock critic. Also a fine description of the actor who spoke those lines. Filmspotting devotes this week's show to Philip Seymour Hoffman and his tragically short career as Adam and Josh share their Top 5 Ho

Josh, Adam and guest Michael Phillips avoid turning into Norma Desmond's driveway for this week's Top 5: Movies About Fame (Non-Hollywood Edition). Plus, the trio offers some thoughts on the new Steve James documentary about Roger Ebert, LIFE ITSELF, and

Belgium: we have long loved you for your beer; we had no idea you were so into tattoos and bluegrass music. Or so Adam and Josh learned from watching THE BROKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN, which recently earned an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. Pl

Adam and Josh do a bit of looking behind -- and a bit of looking ahead this week. First, a showdown of sorts of two newly-minuted Best Picture nominees: THE WOLF OF WALL STREET and AMERICAN HUSTLE. Plus, the Top 5 Most Anticipated Movies of 2014.

With Filmspotting's best films of the year safely in the books - and, per tradition, etched in stone - Josh and Adam take a final look at the year in film, live from Mayne Stage in Chicago. Michael Phillips from the Chicago Tribune joins the panel to shar

With Josh and Adam off furiously prepping for their Jan. 11 live show, it's time for another Filmspotting Revisited featuring a Sacred Cow discussion of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and the Top 5 Films of 1981.

His name is Josh Larsen, and he believes in fitness. And Michael Bay. PAIN & GAIN and FRUITVALE STATION debates, plus HER love, dominate Pt. 2 of Filmspotting's Top 10 Films of 2013 -- with guests Scott Tobias (The Dissolve) and Michael Phillips (Chicago

The year-end onslaught continues with Filmspotting's 2013 Surprises & Disappointments. Plus, a review of OUT OF THE FURNACE, with Christian Bale and Woody Harrelson... and the five finalists for the coveted Golden Brick Award.

The last time Adam and Josh dedicated a Top 5 to their favorite up-and-coming actors, Elizabeth Olsen made both lists coming off her great performance in 2011's "Martha Marcy May Marlene." Time for a new batch of potential stars as they name their Top 5 D

It’s that time when Filmspotting starts looking back on the year in film... So this Thanksgiving weekend, Josh and Adam announce their initial candidates for the Golden Brick Award, and revisit reviews of some films that flew a little under the radar in

#469: Nebraska / Top 5 Movies With Places In the Title / Tale of Two Sisters

Josh and Adam travel through time and space to share their Top 5 Movies With Places In the Title. Yes, after almost 9 years, it seems they've officially run out of Top 5 ideas. Plus, a review of Alexander Payne’s latest, NEBRASKA, and the finale to the

#466: 12 Years a Slave / Top 5 Movies Set in the South / Secret Sunshine

Michael Phillips steps in for Adam to review one of the year’s most acclaimed films - director Steve McQueen’s 12 YEARS A SLAVE, the movie which inspired this week’s Top 5 Movies Set in the South... Plus, Adam and Josh discuss the fifth film in thei

Josh and Adam get into the Halloween spirit with a Sacred Cow discussion of 1973’s THE EXORCIST. William Friedkin’s horror classic turns 40 this year. They also revisit their Top 5 Terrifying Characters from last fall, and continue their look at conte

Adam and Josh discuss CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, the new film from director Paul Greengrass, starring Tom Hanks. Plus, here's the deal: You give them your attention, they'll give you their Top 5 Hostage Movies.

Josh and Adam preview the Chicago International Film Festival, which begins Oct. 10, by sharing their Top 5 Most Anticipated CIFF Movies. Plus, the third film in Filmspotting's Korean Auteurs Marathon, I'M A CYBORG, BUT THAT'S OK, and Larsen Recommends: D

Adam resists the urge to spend the whole show quoting "Tombstone" as he and Josh share their Top 5 Films of 1993, part of Filmspotting's year-by-year countdown series. Plus, a review of the new indie drama SHORT TERM 12, starring Brie Larson, and the Kore

Sam Rockwell’s Chuck Barris may not have known how he felt about long-suffering girlfriend Penny, but listeners know exactly how they feel about Rockwell. Josh and Adam share results from their listener poll about their favorite Rockwell performance, pl

Josh and Adam turn their attention to the change of season with their Top 5 Most Anticipated Fall Movies. Plus, a review of the new martial arts biopic THE GRANDMASTER from director Wong Kar-wai, and the first film in Filmspotting's six-part Korean Auteur

Filmspotting honors a writer by talking about the movies adapted from his books. A writer's nightmare? Perhaps. Adam and Josh pay tribute to Elmore Leonard, whose work inspired some great movie adaptations including "Get Shorty" and "Out of Sight." Plus,

Josh and Adam round up their banjos, bows and arrows and irrational fear of sadistic mountain men in order to pull off this week's Top 5: Nature Movies. Plus, a discussion of David Gordon Green's PRINCE AVALANCHE, starring Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch, and

nspired by Matt Damon in Neill Blomkamp's ELYSIUM, Josh and Adam have one hour to complete their Top 5 Dangerous Missions, or else microscopic explosives will rupture their carotid arteries. Plus, Josh's take on the aptly named THE SPECTACULAR NOW.

Take a not-so-friendly trip down Filmspotting memory lane... The Adam-Josh divide over "Prometheus" was fairly tame, but their first major disagreement set the table for the all-out blood feuds of "Argo" and "The Impossible."

Mr. Lundegaard, we're just here to talk about this week's Top 5: Supporting Players in Lead Roles. The heck we mean? Like fer instance, Frances McDormand in FARGO. Plus, Adam’s chat with longtime supporting player James Cromwell about his starring role

Matt Singer and Alison Willmore fill in on Original Recipe and invite 10 filmmakers to make their own short movies about each one of their Top 5 Anthology Films (available online). Plus, a discussion of the horror anthology "The ABCs of Death," and a trip

With Adam and Josh taking a little summer time off, Filmspotting revisits its Aug. 2012 episode revealing the hosts' Top 10 Greatest Films, with the help of regular contributor Michael Phillips (Chicago Tribune).

On a whim, Josh and Adam stumble off a train together to see where things go with a (long) discussion of BEFORE MIDNIGHT. Then Filmspotting pops into a smoky Parisian cafe to share the Top 5 Americans Abroad.

Adam talks to Chicago writer Robert K. Elder about his new book, "The Best Film You’ve Never Seen," featuring interviews with Richard Linklater, Edgar Wright and 33 other directors talking about the movies they adore that have been critically reviled, f

In 1979, Diane Keaton was the quirky star of Woody Allen’s B&W love letter to New York City, "Manhattan." 35 years later, the city is the same -- and so is the black and white photography -- but the quirky star is Greta Gerwig, in director Noah Baumbach

Despite the efforts of his old friend Khan, James T. Kirk is alive and well in the sequel to 2009’s successful relaunch of the Star Trek franchise. This week, Filmspotting boldly reviews "Star Trek Into Darkness". Plus, the Top 5 Small Moments in Big Mo

This week Adam and Josh have their minds on the money and money on their minds. Inspired by Jay Gatsby’s return to the silver screen, they share their Top 5 Movies About the Rich and discuss Baz Lurhmann’s uh, re-imagining, of the classic novel by F.

In anticipation of the season’s first blockbusters, Josh and Adam reveal their Top 5 Most Anticipated Summer Movies. Plus, a review of "Mud," the latest from "Take Shelter" writer/director Jeff Nichols, and "The Dollies," recognizing the best of the Max

Tom Cruise is assigned to extract Earth's remaining resources... and Michael Phillips and Tasha Robinson draw the plum gig of deciding whether "Oblivion" was worth all the resources put into it. Plus, your guest hosts weigh in on their Top 5 Futuristic Mo

Author Chris Harris ("The Big Clear") joins Adam and Josh for a trip to Chinatown and lots of other unsavory places for this week’s Filmspotting Top 5: Neo-Noirs. Plus, a review of Danny Boyle's art-world thriller "Trance" and a tribute to the late, gre

This week, Josh and Adam take the Chicago Tribune’s Michael Phillips through the special kitchen entrance to the best seats in the house for the Filmspotting Top 5: Tracking Shots. Plus, a Sacred Cow review of Sam Raimi’s 1981 horror classic "The Evil

Look at my episode! Look at my episode! I got... reviews of Harmony Korine's "Spring Breakers." Hosts disagreeing. I got... Top 5 Turning Over a New Leaf Movies. Some are even better than "Scarface," which I got on repeat. Constantly, y'all. I even got co

Filmspotting kisses the ring of their Top 5 Movie Religious Figures... And if "The Last Exorcism: Part II" didn’t satisfy your desire for religious horror, you won’t have to wait for Part III. Romania offers its own spin on the genre with "Beyond the

#437: Oz the Great and Powerful / Top 5 Movie Locations We Wish We Could Visit / Letter from...

Filmspotting finds its happy places with this week’s Top 5: Movie Locations We Wish We Could Visit. Plus, a review of director Sam Raimi’s latest trip over the rainbow, "Oz the Great and Powerful," and the first film in the Max Ophuls Maratho

Adam tries to keep his telekinesis from ruining this year’s prom... er... this week’s Top 5: Movie Mother-Daughters -- a list not inspired by "Carrie," but by the new thriller "Stoker" from Korean auteur Park Chan-wook.

With the help of a six-foot bunny named Harvey, Josh and Adam share their Top 5 Unseen Characters. Plus, a review of Abbas Kiarostami's latest puzzler, "Like Someone In Love," and the debut of Ask Filmspotting (post-Oscars edition).

Winning an Oscar, only slightly more glamorous than joining the 10 million mile club like Ryan Bingham in "Up in the Air"... The Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips joins Adam and Josh for a special Oscars edition of Filmspotting to discuss who will...

Filmspotting may miss Ron Burgundy and his musk, but this week Adam and Josh focus on the filmmakers they've been missing with a countdown the Top 5 Directors Who Need a Comeback. Plus, a review of Roman Coppola's first film in 12 years, "A Glimpse...

Everybody knows the first rule of Fight Club is: you do not talk about Fight Club. But Filmspotting joins Tyler Durden in exploring their primal selves with a countdown of the Top 5 Survival Movies. Plus, Adam and Josh barely emerge unscathed from their d

In 1988, our action heroes looked like Sly Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger... then we met a barefoot Bruce Willis. Adam and Josh find out if it really is a good day to "Die Hard" as they give the Sacred Cow treatment to the action classic that made Wil

Last year, two of Josh's most anticipated films didn’t even end up getting released. Find out who he cursed this year as he and Adam reveal their Top 5 Most Anticipated Movies of 2013. Plus, love hurts in Michael Haneke's "Amour."

Live from Mayne Stage in Chicago, it's Filmspotting's 2012 Wrap Party sponsored by WBEZ! There was no dancing for dollar bills, but the show's own Magic Mike, Michael Phillips from the Chicago Tribune, helped Adam and Josh reveal their favorite...

Quentin Tarantino’s ode to Spaghetti Westerns "Django Unchained" brought Josh and Adam together over the holidays. Was it a fortuitous turn of events? Plus, a conversation with writer/director/actor Edward Burns about his new holiday release, and the Bl

Filmspotting assembles the film critic Avengers -- Michael Phillips (Chicago Tribune) and Scott Tobias (A.V. Club) -- to finish off the Top 10 Films of 2012 countdown and reflect on the year in cinema.

Like Nic Cage in "Raising Arizona," last night Josh had a dream... a dream he and Adam were going to discuss the H.I. McDonnough Memorial List of the Top 5 Inept Movie Criminals, inspired by the new Brad Pitt crime drama "Killing Them Softly." Plus, cut s

Is manic depression a frustrating mess, or a fascinating one? It's a November release round-up as Adam and Josh discuss "Silver Linings Playbook," plus "Skyfall" and "Anna Karenina." The guys also open up their 'little green bags' to cough in their lists

Filmspotting celebrates Thanksgiving this week with a look back at some of the under-the-radar cinematic gems that Adam and Josh are most grateful for this year... movies that might just earn a spot among the nominees for Filmspotting's coveted Golden...

Filmspotting pays proper respect to the performers who decided they were no longer satisfied simply being clowns here to amuse with a countdown of the Top 5 Dramatic Performances by Comic Actors. Plus, Adam’s conversation with one such performer... Tim

Filmspotting crosses continents and generations in search of the true-true with a discussion of "Cloud Atlas." Plus, inspired the busy ensemble in "Atlas," a countdown of the Top 5 Multiple Role Performances... And oh "Super Fly," you’re gonna make your

Heeeeere's Michael Phillips! From the spacious Overlook studio at WBEZ, Michael joins Filmspotting for a Sacred Cow discussion of "The Shining." Also on this special Halloween edition: theories about the theories in the new documentary "Room 237," which e

Filmspotting likes reviewing movies, but what the hosts really want to do is direct. Themselves. Inspired by their discussion of Ben Affleck's "Argo," Adam and Josh countdown the Top 5 Movies Directed by Their Stars. Plus, they answer the age-old question

Adam tries to convince Judy, er, Josh, to change his hair for their Vertigo Memorial Top 5 Doppelganger Movies. Plus, a discussion of Rian Johnson's new time-travel thriller "Looper" and a preview of the upcoming Chicago International Film Festival.

"The Master" tells us that "Good science, by definition, allows for more than opinion." Adam and Josh mostly prove to be good scientists as they go in-depth on Paul Thomas Anderson's latest. Plus, the Top 5 Charismatic Movie Leaders and

The sun shines and the land may be cheap, but if you’ve seen L.A. Confidential – or just about any movie set in the city of angels – you know it's a town with a dark side. This week's Filmspotting Top 5: Los Angeles Movies. Plus, a review of the new

Michael Phillips (Chicago Tribune) plays the role of Belloq for this 'Sacred Cow' discussion of Steven Spielberg's action-adventure classic "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Plus, the Top 5 Films of 1981 and Michael's reflections on the 2012 Toronto Internationa

Hey Kitty Kat, don't be a... draws a square in the air... and be sure to download this show featuring the Pulp Fiction Memorial Top 5 Dance Scenes. Plus, Adam and Josh put down their $5 milkshakes to discuss "Alps," the new film from the director of "Dogt

Adam talks to writer/director Craig Zobel about his provocative new film "Compliance," and with comedian Mike Birbiglia about the semi-autobiographical new film he co-wrote, co-directed and stars in, "Sleepwalk With Me."

Adam and Josh stop their limo ride through downtown Chicago long enough to commend David Cronenberg's bizarre "Cosmopolis" and reveal their Top 5 Most Anticipated Fall Movies. Plus, interviews with two filmmakers - Mike Birbiglia ("Sleepwalk With Me") and

Inspired by Sight & Sound's 2012 Greatest Films Poll, Michael Phillips (Chicago Tribune) joins Josh and Adam to discuss their Top 10 Films of All Time. Plus, a few special guests call in to share their #1 most 'essential' movie.

Inexplicably, George Lazenby is overlooked as Filmspotting reveals its highly confidential Top 5 Cinema Spies (James Bond Memorial)... And don't forget to take your chems before listening to discussions of "The Bourne Legacy" and "Fireworks Wednesday," th

Adam and Josh break a leg, avoid mention of 'The Scottish Play' and depend on the kindness of strangers to reveal their Top 5 Play Adaptations, inspired by William Friedkin's new film adaptation of Tracy Letts' Gothic crime thriller "Killer Joe."

We'll show you the life of the mind! Adam and Josh eloquently express affection for their Top 5 Movies About Writers, and discuss the new film written by and starring Zoe Kazan, "Ruby Sparks." Plus, Adam makes an amazing discovery with the fourth film in

Which battle is more bloody and brutal: Batman vs. Bane or Michael Phillips vs. A.O. Scott? Adam and Josh discuss "The Dark Knight Rises," then enlist the help of the dynamic former At The Movies duo to debate "Beasts of the Southern Wild." Plus, the 'Tak

Sometimes a bad movie idea is just a bad movie idea. But sometimes it results in cinema excellence. Inspired by their discussion of Marc Webb's reboot "The Amazing Spider-Man, " Adam and Josh share their Top 5 'Seemed Like a Bad Idea' Movies.

Adam confesses his love for a childhood doll -- and Josh promptly bashes him for it -- as they discuss Seth Macfarlane's feature directing debut "Ted." Plus, the Top 5 Performances of 2012 (So Far)... in which Adam successfully avoids saying Michael Fassb

Filmspotting welcomes the Chicago Tribune's "Magic" Michael Phillips to the microphone to debate Channing Tatum's, um, talents on display in Steven Soderbergh's latest. Plus, the triumvirate looks back on the half year in cinema with a countdown of their

Think Julianne Moore is the first and last name in movie gingers? Think again. Josh and Adam reveal their Top 5 Screen Redheads and discuss Pixar's latest "Brave." Plus, the third film in the Contemporary Iranian Cinema Marathon, "Children of Heaven."

Adam interviews actor-director Mark Duplass and learns how he and his brother discovered they weren't the next Coen Bros. Plus, writer/director Lynn Shelton reveals how directing an episode of "Mad Men" changed her filmmaking approach.

Adam and Josh countdown their Top 5 Movie Crackpots and celebrate Mark Duplass week with reviews of two new movies featuring everybody's favorite "Humpday" star: "Your Sister's Sister" and "Safety Not Guaranteed." Plus, interviews with the directors of th

"I learned the facts of life from watching The Facts of Life! Oh God!" Matt and Alison discuss the Ben Stiller-Jim Carrey 'flop' "The Cable Guy" and fill up your queue with notable films from actors turned directors.

Live from Lincoln Hall in Chicago, this is Filmspotting's 400th episode! Special guests Michael Phillips (Chicago Tribune) and Dana Stevens (Slate.com) join Adam and Josh for their most introspective top 5 list yet. Plus, reviews of "Prometheus" and "Moon

Matt Singer and Alison Willmore fill in to discuss Sarah Polley's new film "Take This Waltz" and share their Top 5 Infidelity Movies you can get via streaming. Plus, a Listener's Choice discussion of Gus Van Sant's "Drugstore Cowboy."

Adam and Josh muster the strength to reveal their Top 5 Haunted Past Movies. Plus, a weekend with Richard Linklater's "Bernie," and the second entry in Filmspotting's Contemporary Iranian Cinema Marathon, "A Moment of Innocence."

Ten years from now, what directors will we hold in the same esteem as Paul Thomas Anderson and David Fincher? Adam and Josh reveal their Top 5 Directors of the Future, and discuss the new film starring talented newcomer Brit Marling, "Sound of My Voice."

Adam and Josh count down their Top 5 Actor-Director Collaborations That Need To Happen, and debate whether Johnny Depp and Tim Burton should collaborate again after "Dark Shadows.” Plus, the Contemporary Iranian Cinema Marathon opens with "Close-Up."

How does "The Avengers" fare against the diabolical duo of Adam and Josh? Filmspotting discusses the latest Marvel universe installment. Plus, the hosts give you an early look at the lineup for Filmspotting Fest, a celebration of overlooked cinematic gems

#395: Summer Movie Preview / To Kill a Mockingbird / This Is Not a Film

Contributor Michael Phillips sits in for Filmspotting's Summer Movie Preview, and helps Adam and Josh reconsider the 1962 classic "To Kill a Mockingbird" in honor of its 50th Anniversary. Plus, thoughts on two new acclaimed foreign-language films, "This I

Gaze into Filmspotting’s crystal ball as they reveal the stars of tomorrow! Josh and Adam reveal their Top 5 Up-and-Coming Actors and Actresses (Class of 2012), and discuss the new meta-horror flick "The Cabin in the Woods."

Matt and Alison return from the South by Southwest Film Festival to share some of their favorite SXSW alumni you can watch online. Plus, don't look now -- they also discuss Nicolas Roeg's "The Man Who Fell to Earth."

Walt Disney said: "Animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive." Filmspotting finds out what was on Andrew Stanton's mind when making his first live action film "John Carter." Plus, Stanton helps Adam and Josh countdown their Top 5 Traditi

Filmspotting rolls out the red carpet for Michael Phillips (Chicago Tribune) to preview the 2012 Academy Awards. Plus, Studio Ghibli's latest, "The Secret World of Arrietty," and Woody Harrelson as a corrupt L.A. cop in "Rampart."

Adam and Josh recognize the dramatic actors who didn’t just collect a paycheck with their Top 5 Action Thespians. Plus, reviews of three 2011 films out now on DVD and the second film in the Bresson Marathon, "A Man Escaped."

In conjunction with their discussion of Ti West's new horror flick "The Innkeepers," Adam recruits Josh to countdown their Top 5 Hotel Movies. Plus, the Bresson Marathon begins with "Diary of a Country Priest."

Customer Reviews

Great show for getting ideas for interesting films to watch

by
Wolfy63

These two Chicago movie nuts have a different way of looking at films than I do. It is interesting to get their take on films that I have watched, or ones that I have alway been told are benchmarks in specific styles. It is interesting to watch these films and then listen to their thoughts on what makes these films work, or what causes them to miss the mark. I do not agree with these two all the time. Matter of fact, it is about 50/50. But they justify their view points very well. If I wanted to listen to opinions that were the same as mine, I can do that while I shave in the morning.

A Must for all Movie Fans

by
AJGrossman

One of the best podcasts out there - always the first one I listen to once it downloads. If you love movies then listen to this show by fans and movie lovers for fans and movie lovers. Always interesting discussions while not losing sight of why film continues to entertain, enchant and educate us.

Like Vintage Siskel and Ebert

by
Bruce in Portland

Adam and Sam remind me of Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel when they started "Sneak Previews" on Chicago's public TV station decades ago. They actually discuss worthwhile movies instead of making snap judgements about whether this week's teen comedy is above or below par for the genre. They foster a sense of geeky film community through listener feedback and do it all with self deprecating wit.